The Canberra Carousel Organ is an iconic piece of Canberra's history. The 69 keyless fairground organ was built in 1911 and originally operated as part of the merry-go-round which now resides on City Walk in Civic.

TCCS facilitates approvals for driveway modifications and construction; construction impacting storm water easements; demolition and excavation waste; and construction impacting the verge or public open space.

Free Advice

Plant video clips

Over the years Yarralumla Nursery with its dedicated and knowledgeable staff has created a library of useful hints for Canberra gardeners and now we want to share it all with you in our Garden advice section below, as we know it.

Garden advice

1. Attracting local birds (PDF 169.1 KB)
The plants listed here have been chosen for their value to birds for food, shelter or nesting. Take a walk in your local bushland and look at the plants local to your area, these are a fantastic food and shelter source for our birds!

2. Clay soil in Canberra (PDF 161.8 KB)
Heavy clay soils have been part of Canberra from the beginning. They are hard to wet in winter, dry in summer; and many plants can struggle in them. Dealing with clay soils is essential if you want to give your new plants a good start. Some simple principles apply.

3. Common pests (PDF 154.3 KB)
If you notice that some of the trunks or stems of a plant are becoming black with sooty-looking mould, here is what is happening to them… and the solution!

4. Fire retardant plants (PDF 167.6 KB)
Bushfires are a common occurrence in summer for most Australians, and protecting your family, pets and property does not have to be difficult if you plan ahead. Here are some tips for establishing a fire retardant garden.

5. Hardy shrubs for hot dry spots (PDF 223.1 KB)
Here is a small selection of plants which have proven their hardiness in hot, dry areas. Prune and fertilise regularly for best results.

6. Hedging plants (PDF 183.7 KB)
A stunning, bushy, well-shaped, healthy hedge is not a low maintenance one. You get out what you put in!

7. Planting Basics (PDF 160.1 KB)
Plants grow best in soils they are suited to, so it is critical to find out not only what grows best in your area, but also where they grow best.

8. Plants for boggy areas (PDF 156.9 KB)
Make use of your wet areas and drainage points by creating a bog garden for frogs and birds. The following lists contain plants that will tolerate wet and boggy soil. These plants will also grow beautifully on the edge of a pond.

9. Plants for clay areas (PDF 163.2 KB)
Heavy clay soils have been part of Canberra from the beginning. They are hard to wet in winter, dry in summer; and many plants can struggle in them. Dealing with clay soils is essential if you want to give your new plants a good start.

10. Small Eucalypts (PDF 198.0 KB)
We are extremely lucky to have big established, naturally occurring Eucalypts in our suburbs - these trees have been around far longer than we have! It is important to supplement these old trees with new Eucalypts, both for the food and housing of local flora and fauna, and to reinforce our good name as ‘The Bush Capital’.

11. Small trees (PDF 163.9 KB)
There are many beautiful trees that will give shade and structure to a garden without taking up large spaces. Here are some suggestions.

12. Deciduous trees (PDF 169.5 KB)
Shade trees are an important feature in Canberra gardens. The shade they provide in our hot summers can be relieving and rewarding. The leaves fall in autumn allowing the low winter sun to warm up cold spots in the garden and the house.